The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-07-14
NATHANIEL MACON.
A Consistent, just, but Almost Forgot
ten Public Man.
CLARENCE CHADWICK
special Correspondence J

Special Correspondence
CHAMPAIGN. Ills, July lin the yenr
ISIS Nathaniel Macon attained the age Of
three score and ten, the limit Of manly life,
the psalmist tells MS. Atthis date Macon was
lust la the middle Of the third senatorial
term conferred upon him by the North Caro-
lima legislature. hut having long before made
a resolution 10 retire from public life at the
age Of 20. he very promptly resigned his seat.
TO those who urged him TO remain tin tho
end Of bis term, and insisted that bis mind
was ms good ms ever, be replied that his mind
was GOOD enough TO let him know that be
must quit office before his mental powers quit
him.
When American independence was de-
clared Macon was is years of age and
student at Princeton college. At this time
boiy OF American troops was doing duty on
thc Delaware. and Macon joined this force,
a.d duty with it for season, but ultimately
resumed b studies at Princeton.
In lis the southern states were overrun
los the British armies. IN this emergency
Macon returned 20 North Carolina, Joined
military company from his native county
and went 20 South Carolina, then most
active theatre Of war lie bore his full share
m all the hariships encountered by thes0uth-
cru army, was no the fan Of Fort M0ultre,
tho surrender of Charleston and the disas-
trousd.featat Camden under the unfortunate
Gem Gates lie was with the army in its re-
treat toward the farther borders of North
Carolina, and was with 10 in camp on the left
bank Of the va .kn river when the sudden
flooding of that stream m the brief interval
between the Gro sing of the Americans and
appearance Of the British arrested the pur-
suit of CORVALLIS and thus gave much needed
rest 10 Green's men,
While in camp here with only destitution
and want i'm the way of immediate surround
ings, Macon received word through the gov
crnor of North Carolina that be had been
chosen from bis native county TO a seat in the
general assembly then about 10 convene.
Macon, however, refused to attend, and this
refusal was 40 once the talk Of the camp and
very naturally reached Gen. Grcenes ears.
That officer at once sent for Macon and in
quired why De had declined To serve bis county
in the general assembly. Macon answered that
so far he had seen only the faces Of the enemy,
bat preferred TO remain in thearmy till their
backs could be seem
Gen. Greene was very fayorably impressed
with Macon and at once sought 20 convince
him that 1t was his dsty To- attend the general
assembly when his familiarity with the desti-
tuition and needs of the army would be Of the
greatest service n getting supplies of all
kinds Macon saw the force of Greene's ar
gumeni and promptly set of to attend the
session Of the general assembly
ln this body hi, representations Of the con-
diliou of the American army in the south had
much influence in securing for Greenes suf-
fcrng army the re-oniorcements and supplies
with which a little later it was enabled to
WIN from CORVALLIS tbs victory Of Guiford
Court House.
Macon closed bis military career when he
left Groono's army i'm North Carolina Hehad
served n an three years an this time in the
ranks, as he declined promotion Neither
would he take compensation for lis services.
And in after years, when the Revolutionary
veterans were loaded with pensions, bounties
and land warrants Macon uniformly refused
all such omouments
lie was in public life about forty years,
and in addition TO long service in the North
Carolina legislature, served as representative
in congress during the administrations Of
Washington, John Adams, jefferson and
part of MaGisou's term. While Madison was
vet in the executive chsir Macon was trans
ferred TO the senate, where he remained dur
ing Mourocs incumbency and we'll on to-
ward the close of John Quincy Adams term
Of oilicc-scrYing in all fifteen years
While M tie house Of representatives
Macon was for many years its speaker But
every place he reached was gained through
the sullrages Of the people or their immediate
representatives. lie declined the place of post
master general under jefferson, but cheer
fully accepted the position Of justice of the
peace 10 which the people of his native
county elected him.
Az another period in his life De refused TO
become candidate for vice president, but in
1886 took the place Of presidential elector on
the Van Buren, ticket.
Politically be was opposed TO Alexander
Hamilton. bu. recognizing the honesty, pa
triotisu and ability Of the great Federal
leader. uniformly refused % sanction or take
part i'm amy personal attack on him.
Throughout life he was opposed to going
nothcrs security. believing that each indi-
,idual shouid bear the in results Of his own
4cduu-N ao wei - reap lut rewards OF more
fortunate Ym.uies. Ia his will he provided
that an intimat. and valued friend should be-
come bis executor, but, while trusted with the
largest discretionary powers, he should be ac-
.ountable 10 no court for the manner in
which the trust was discharged, as the mans
honor was deemed sufficient guarantee
lie dressed neatly and always had his
clothes made OF navy blue cloth Of the finest
quality Before one suit began 70 look worn
Il was replaced 10y another of exactly the
same quality and precisely similar pattern
the latter the style worn during the revo-
lutionary period After resigning from the
senate Macon passed nine years of serene con
tentment, enjoying to the full the sweets Of
domestic peace ut his home in North Carolina.
Z. Il. JOHNSON